Police
Maine Bill Would Create State Process to End Police Qualified Immunity
AUGUSTA, Maine (Apr. 20, 2021) – A bill introduced in the Maine Senate would eliminate qualified immunity as a defense for police officers sued in state court for using excessive force or taking other actions that violate individual rights. Sen. Anne Carney...
Tennessee Senate Passes Bill to Prohibit “No-Knock” Warrants
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 15, 2021) – On Monday, the Tennessee Senate passed a bill that would prohibit “no-knock” warrants and take a step toward nullifying several Supreme Court opinions in practice and effect. Sen. Mike Bell (R-Riceville) introduced Senate Bill...
Maine Committee Holds Hearing on Bill to Defund State’s Only Fusion Center
AUGUSTA, Maine (April 19, 2021) – Last week, a Maine committee held a hearing on a bill that would defund the state’s only federal fusion center and significantly hinder the growing federal surveillance state. There was intense lobbying against the bill by police...
Qualified Immunity Strikes Again: Judge Says Public Can’t Sue Border Patrol Officers at Checkpoints
A federal judge in New Hampshire allowed part of an ACLU lawsuit against U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) checkpoints in three New England states to continue, but invoked a qualified immunity defense saying CBP agents could not be sued. Last year, the...